Kaizer Chiefs’ march to the Nedbank Cup final seems to have come at a cost, with attacking midfielder Kabelo Mahlasela a doubt for Tuesday night’s clash against Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium.

On their way to an impressive 4-2 victory over Chippa United in Port Elizabeth, coach Ernst Middendorp was forced into an early change after the player was stretchered off in the 14th minute.

His replacement Dumisani Zuma saw off the rest of the game – providing the opening goal – while he was sent for X-rays to determine the extent of his injury.

The club revealed on Sunday that the collision in which he came off second best had caused no fracture but, according to Middendorp, his injury remains a concern.

“Mahlasela’s injury is a concern, especially as he was just starting to work his way into the team. Let’s hope it’s nothing too serious.”

Ernst Middendorp

Kabelo Mahlasela joins Kaizer Chiefs injury list

Mahlasela arrived at Naturena in January 2018, joining from Bloemfontein Celtic.

At his new club, the former Orlando Pirates youth player has struggled to cement a place in the starting lineup, with injury halting his progress.

Since the start of the 2018/19 season, he has managed just 13 appearances in all competitions – mostly coming off the bench – and has contributed one assist against Black Leopards in Amakhosi’s last league outing.

The latest injury sees him join a lengthy injury list which includes the likes of captain Itumeleng Khune, Joseph Malongoane, Lebogang Manyama and Eric Mathoho, who have been sidelined for a large part of the campaign.

Kaizer Chiefs are out of the league title race as they sit seventh on the log, only able to reach 49 points should they win all of their remaining fixtures.

They do, however, have a shot at silverware as they meet first-division outfit TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 18 May.